Pair arrested on weapons charges for bomb, firearm possession

A man facing weapons charges in connection with incidents in Maryland and North Carolina has now been accused of similar violations in Pennsylvania. Federal prosecutors allege that the man, age 43, was arrested on weapons charges after he allegedly was found in possession of an unregistered firearm. Further, the man is accused of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a known fugitive, among other accusations. This is at least the fourth time that the man has been indicted on federal charges.

The man could face 20 years’ prison time and a half-million dollar fine if convicted of the crimes. He would also be subject to three years’ time on supervised release and several other penalties.

In addition, a 32-year-old man was charged after being apprehended with the older man. He is facing accusations of possessing unregistered firearms and manufacturing and dealing explosive materials. The younger man is also accused of conspiracy to obstruct justice. That man could receive a 60-year prison sentence, along with a fine of $1 million and a three-year supervised release term.

Authorities say that the charges were related to an incident in February 2013 in which about 60 pipe bombs and several improvised explosive devices were found at a public storage unit in East Whiteland. Those explosives were destroyed by local professionals. The explosives were apparently discovered after the older man was arrested for evading after allegedly attempting to flee officers who were trying to pull him over. An investigation in that matter led to information about the storage locker. The older man was on supervised release in connection with other crimes when he was taken into custody for the weapons charges. The man had been on supervised release after he was taken into custody on federal charges in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme.

These men have been charged with federal crimes, which differ in nature from state allegations. A qualified defense attorney can help such defendants learn about the differences between federal and state allegations, providing them with the information they need to make decisions in their criminal defense case.